Ludhiana's industry backs AAP candidate Sanjeev Arora, hailing his role in solving long-pending issues.
(AAP) candidate Sanjeev Arora has received a significant boost from the city's industrial community, with major trade associations and industry leaders throwing their weight behind the businessman-turned-politician.
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Industry voices say Arora's deep familiarity with the manufacturing sector and his role in addressing long-standing policy issues have earned him wide respect across Ludhiana's business corridors. "There is very little representation of industry in government, and Arora is one of our own," said Badish Jindal, president of the World MSME Forum. He credited Arora with resolving key issues such as the one-time settlement (OTS) scheme for Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation (PSIEC) focal points, VAT refunds, and reducing the approval time for setting up new industries to 45 days.
Narinder Bhamra, president of the Fasteners Manufacturers Association of India, highlighted Arora's effectiveness in representing industrial interests. "This is a democracy, but industry overwhelmingly supports Arora because of his clarity and commitment," Bhamra said. "Alongside Punjab industry minister, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, he advocated for us in ways we hadn't seen before."
Vinod Thapar, chairman of the Knitwear Club, hailed Arora as a bridge between business and politics.
"The OTS of PSIEC focal points had been stuck for 28 years. Governments came and went, but it took Arora to resolve it. That speaks volumes," he said.
Rahul Ahuja, former chairman of CII Punjab and convener of the Apex Chamber of Commerce, praised Arora's track record on power sector issues and infrastructure bottlenecks. "His passion for resolving industrial concerns is matched by the industry's passion for supporting him," Ahuja said. The endorsements come at a crucial time for Arora, as Ludhiana's bypoll race tightens, with industry solidarity emerging as a potential game-changer.
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